Clydebank: Murder inquiry launched as body of 15-year-old schoolgirl found in woodland

Police have launched a murder inquiry after the body of Paige Doherty was found near ClydebankPolice Scotland

Police in Scotland have launched a murder inquiry after a body found in woodland was identified as that of missing 15-year-old Paige Doherty. The teenager went missing on Saturday morning (19 March) when she walked from a friend's house to a bus stop to catch a bus to her Saturday job.

An appeal appealing for information about Paige's whereabouts generated a large response, with a Facebook page asking for information and posters distributed around Clydebank. However her body was found just off the off Great Western Road at 12.45pm GMT on 21 March.

In a statement on the Police Scotland website, Senior Investigating officer Detective Superintendent Duncan Sloan said additional patrols would take place in the area to reassure residents. He also appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

"I am also particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area where [Paige] was found off Great Western Road on Monday lunchtime," said Sloan. "This is a particularly busy route with lots of cars and buses passing, walkers and joggers on the pavement. Perhaps someone saw a vehicle in the area or people acting out of character or acting unusually that could help us in the investigation.

"Any information, however small, may help this investigation. I would urge anyone with information to contact the police as soon as possible. It is imperative that we find who is responsible for Paige's murder."

Following confirmation that the body was that of her daughter, Pamela Munro wrote on Facebook: "Unfortunately we can confirm tht it is our beautiful girl paige who was found in clydebank. Again thank u for all ur support i am seeing everyone's messages but understandably we've a lot on our minds and can't reply. We are absolutely devastated as will many people who know her will be."